Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/204210
Equipment Spotlight Wheels Aluminum vs. steel Proper wheel spec'ing can pay unexpected dividends By Jack Roberts T Accuride says it manufactures and sells both steel and aluminum wheels because many truckers need both options. he right choice of wheels can help optimize trucks in a surprising number of ways. These include easing maintenance demands, slashing vehicle weight and boosting fuel economy. While the rule of thumb is that aluminum wheels are for lightweight applications and steel is for everything else, in reality things aren't that simple. Specs "for both steel and aluminum fit a wide range of applications," says Robert Flynn, director of product marketing for Accuride. Such specs include lightweight steel options for drivers in tougher applications but still concerned with weight or fuel savings. "Our lightest-weight steel wheel weighs 66 pounds," Flynn says. "For many drivers, that's an attractive spec." While aluminum wheels cost up to three times more that those made of steel, most long-haul drivers looking to take all possible weight out of a tractor are willing to pay that premium, Flynn says. "Light weight obviously helps with fuel economy," he says. "Likewise, drivers that tend to weigh out before they cube out can take on additional cargo and generate more revenue." Brian Thomas, Alcoa marketing manager, says the company's "most drastic weight savings package with aluminum wheels saves 1,400 pounds per vehicle. That's a 14-inch wide-based It's a huge boost to maintenance, and those savings can really add up. — Mark Fonte, marketing manager, Maxion tire configuration that cuts typical weight on the drive axle down from 130 pounds to 58 pounds." Aluminum wheels cost 30 percent to 40 percent more, Thomas concedes, "but resale value for aluminum wheels alone results in a 75 percent return on that investment up to 10 years later." Considering also fuel savings and additional freight revenue, owners in certain applications can see a return of that investment in a year or less, he says. However, steel wheels remain an important option, particularly for those engaged in severe-duty applications. "We do see some drivers over-spec for weight savings," says Mark Fonte, a marketing manager for Maxion Wheels. "Drivers who are concerned with weight sometimes don't realize there are lightweight steel options available that will hold up better in some tougher applications." Fonte says Maxion has optimized its lightweight steel wheel options to help drivers "avoid the additional cost of aluminum wheels while giving them the tool they need to get down and dirty with their trucks." While steel wheels are more maintenanceintensive than aluminum wheels, various technologies have been developed to help steel wheels last longer between refinishings that typically are needed every two to three years in most applications. "Drivers like to sit behind the wheel of a sharp-looking truck, and shiny wheels certainly help with that image," Flynn says. "Goodlooking rims are an important part of the overall vehicle look for drivers that consider their trucks to be 'rolling billboards' for their businesses." Lightweight aluminum wheels such as Alcoa's DuraBright line have gained widespread acceptance. 44 | Overdrive | November 2013 Equipment spotlight_1113.indd 44 10/30/13 12:04 AM